The Value of Quinidine in the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation after Mitral Valvuloplasty

Abstract

Effectiveness of quinidine prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with normal sinus rhythm after mitral valvuloplasty was studied by retrospective analysis of 226 Group III patients. On the basis of the findings a prospective study of 41 pairs of similar patients was undertaken and quinidine given by random selection to one of each pair. A statistically significant reduction reduction in the incidence of this arrhythmia was observed (from 42 to 22%) moderate dosages were effective (0.8 to 1.2 g/day). If prophylactic quinidine is employed and reversion is attempted after the 10th postoperative day in those patients who nonetheless developed atrial fibrillation, only 1.5% of patients in normal sinus rhythm operated on for mitral stenosis will be discharged from the hospital with an irregular rhythm.